The Joe Budden Podcast
The Joe Budden Podcast
June 7, 2026

The Joe Budden Podcast Episode 935 | No Reason To Be Humble

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Quick Read

The Joe Budden Podcast crew dives into the emotional highs of the Knicks' playoff run, the controversy surrounding Trump's potential NBA Finals appearance, and the complex social dynamics of the Ricky Chow gas station shooting, all while dissecting celebrity antics and the ethics of public apologies.
The Knicks' playoff run ignited unprecedented unity and emotional investment across New York City.
The Ricky Chow gas station shooting case exposes deep-seated racial biases and a flawed justice system.
Celebrity actions, from paparazzi evasion to controversial video leaks, spark debates on privacy, ethics, and and public image.

Summary

The episode features the hosts discussing a wide range of topics, starting with the New York Knicks' emotional playoff journey and the city's unified support. They debate the potential impact of Donald Trump attending an NBA Finals game and introduce 'Poly Market' as a betting platform for public events. Celebrity privacy is touched upon with Kevin Durant's paparazzi evasion. The conversation shifts to cultural commentary, including the surprising origin of Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' and a contentious debate about the paternity of his children. Chris Brown's recent honorary degrees spark a discussion on academic validation. A detailed segment covers the Ricky Chow gas station shooting, highlighting racial tensions, prior incidents involving the store owner, and the hosts' strong opinions on justice and community response. The episode concludes with tributes to Peabo Bryson, a deep dive into the Daffany Joy video and its implications for public figures with children, and a philosophical debate on whether a 'hoe can be turned into a housewife.'
This episode offers a raw, unfiltered look into contemporary cultural conversations, blending sports enthusiasm, celebrity gossip, and critical social commentary. It highlights the emotional investment of fans in sports, the complexities of celebrity public image, and the deeply rooted racial and ethical dilemmas within communities. The discussions on accountability, public perception, and the intersection of personal choices with public life provide a snapshot of current societal dialogues.

Takeaways

  • The New York Knicks' deep playoff run has created an emotional and unifying experience for the city, with players showing strong dedication.
  • Donald Trump's planned attendance at an NBA Finals game raises concerns about security, political divisiveness, and potential disruption of game energy.
  • The 'Poly Market' platform allows betting on public events, including celebrity appearances, highlighting a growing trend in prediction markets.
  • Kevin Durant's attempt to hide from paparazzi at a restaurant sparks discussion on celebrity privacy versus public interest.
  • Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' is revealed to be about a real-life stalker, not a casual affair, challenging common interpretations.
  • Chris Brown received an honorary doctorate and a Master's in Fine Arts from Harvest Christian University, prompting debate on the value of such degrees.
  • The Ricky Chow gas station shooting, where a Black teenager was killed, is discussed as a clear case of racial injustice, with the store owner having a history of similar uncharged incidents.
  • The hosts pay tribute to the late R&B legend Peabo Bryson, recognizing his significant contributions to soul, romance, and pop music.
  • The Daffany Joy video leak and her subsequent pivot to OnlyFans, using Puffy's music, sparks a debate on exploitation, financial incentives, and the impact on her child.
  • The question of whether a 'hoe can be turned into a housewife' is debated, exploring the difference between changing behavior and changing mentality.

Insights

1Knicks' Playoff Run Unites New York with Emotional Fandom

The New York Knicks' unexpected success in the playoffs has deeply resonated with the city, fostering a sense of unity and emotional investment not seen in decades. The team's dedication, epitomized by players like Jalen Brunson refusing to pose with 'prop trophies' until the 'job is not finished,' has captivated fans. The city's collective excitement is evident in packed watch parties and sold-out arenas for non-game events.

The hosts describe the emotional impact on fans, the team's '2026 champs' cake, Jalen Brunson's refusal of prop trophies, and the widespread city engagement with watch parties.

2Trump's NBA Finals Appearance Sparks Political and Security Concerns

Donald Trump's announced attendance at an NBA Finals game creates a contentious atmosphere, raising questions about security protocols for a former president courtside and the potential for political division to overshadow the game. Joe Budden explicitly states he would avoid interaction and expresses concern about the 'assassination team' putting him in danger.

Joe Budden's personal text to the Knicks to avoid sitting near Trump, the discussion about presidential courtside seating legality, and the hosts' speculation on crowd reaction (boos vs. applause).

3The Ricky Chow Gas Station Shooting: A Case of Racial Injustice and Systemic Failure

The killing of Cyrus Carmarmac Belton, a Black teenager, by gas station owner Ricky Chow in Columbia, South Carolina, is framed as a clear instance of racial injustice. The hosts highlight that Belton stole nothing, and Chow had a history of two prior uncharged shootings (2015, 2018) where he claimed self-defense against alleged thieves. The prosecutor's strong case, emphasizing inconsistencies and Chow's history, still resulted in no conviction, underscoring systemic biases.

Details of the incident, Belton not having stolen water, Chow's prior shooting incidents, the prosecutor's effective cross-examination of Chow's son, and the hosts' outrage at the verdict.

4Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' Inspired by a Stalker, Not a Lover

The iconic song 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson is revealed to be based on a real-life stalker who claimed Jackson was the father of her child. This narrative challenges the common perception of the song as a fictional tale of a casual affair, adding a darker, biographical layer to its meaning. The stalker even sued Jackson for a billion dollars and told her daughter he was the father.

The host's discovery of the daughter of the real 'Billie Jean' speaking out, confirming the stalker narrative and the lawsuit.

5Daffany Joy Video and OnlyFans Pivot: Exploitation vs. Financial Opportunity

Following the leak of her video with Puffy, Daffany Joy initially released a statement as a victim of revenge porn but then deleted it and leaned into promoting her OnlyFans, even using Puffy's music in promotional content. This pivot sparks debate on whether it's a calculated financial move in a difficult situation (given her child support from 50 Cent is $6,700/month) or a disturbing embrace of exploitation, especially considering the potential impact on her son.

Daffany's initial statement and its deletion, her subsequent OnlyFans promotion with Puffy's music, her reported child support income, and the hosts' discussion on the ethics and financial motivations.

6The Dame Dash 'Fall from Grace' and Media Exploitation

Dame Dash's recent interviews, particularly after Jay-Z's Roots Picnic freestyle, are described as a 'fall from grace,' marked by increasingly erratic and disparaging comments about former associates. The hosts express sadness and embarrassment at his public behavior, noting a shift from subtle critiques to direct insults. They also criticize content creators for exploiting individuals like Dash by providing platforms while they appear to be in a vulnerable state.

Dame Dash's comments about Jay-Z's hair and breath, the presence of a rat in his studio during an interview, and the hosts' observation of his declining public image and the media's role in it.

Quotes

"

"I'm just texting to confirm that Trump will not be seated right in front of me."

Joe Budden
"

"The assassination team that want him dead is so bad, they might get me in danger."

Joe Budden
"

"I thought Mike made a smash out of being a deadbeat."

Joe Budden
"

"The sad part is really the worst thing you could be in our society is a pedophile without any hits. Cuz if you're a pedophile with a classic album or a billionaire or a high ranking politician, we let that slide."

Joe Budden
"

"I don't think every artist need to roll with the theme of my album. Fans dress up to my show and But it speaks to the artist. If your fans are willing to do it, that's fire."

Joe Budden
"

"I'm tired of watching people just kill and get away with it."

Mona
"

"We gotta buy our own and control our own. This only happens in our community. There's no way that in every neighborhood, every hood, we offer these different experiences and everybody shares one thing in common, which is we didn't own the stores in our neighborhood."

Joe Budden
"

"I think you can definitely turn a hoe into a housewife."

Joe Budden
"

"The baddies are insecure. The stagnant women want to travel and the close-minded women want you to teach them things."

Joe Budden

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